(Girish Kulkarni has written a mail capturing the moments leading up to his Limca record to “Ride a Gearless bicycle for 100 KM with an average speed of 30 KM/Hr” on 25th September 2011 at National Highway 4.)
He wants to spread the message of “Cycling: Fitness, Environment & Adventure and thank his parents, relatives & friends who helped him to make this attempt successful.
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What an event it was… Amazing... Awesome... Tremendous... Terrific, take all the synonyms of these words and it was there in the closing lap of the event.
24th Sept 2011 – 22:00 hrs. – A small team of volunteers with four cars and three bikes reached Satara (120 kms from Pune). The atmosphere was tense – Would he do it? Some of them were able to take a nap and some just lay awake discussing as the time passed by - very slowly.
25th Sept 2011 – 04:00 hrs. – It was chilling night and the team got together to load their belonging into their cars and bikes and last moment updates were shared. Groups were formed and jobs allotted were reviewed so that everyone was on the same page and knew their role well. A hot cup of tea was served and team ready for the adventure.
25th Sept 2011 – 05:00 hrs. – Team gathered at the starting point and locals could be seen coming to give their blessing to Girish. After taking blessings from his parents, he started his warming up cycling around. Count down started.
25th Sept 2011 – 05:30 hrs. – Girish started his journey to get into that dream of being a part of Limca Book of National Record and India Book of Record. Starting speed 32kmph. Good start. Team boosting his morale and cheering him up continuously.
25th Sept 2011 – 07:25 hrs. – Steep road and wind blowing against Girish. OH... Problem, the front brake cable gave up, as if God too wanted to test him. He was struggling hard as he had covered only 55 kms in 2 hours approx. Another 45 kms to go in 1:40 mins. Will he do it? He was determined - so were his team, who were cheering and motivating him and giving him assurances that he can do it. No time to change bicycle or repair it. Team covers him from all sides. GO Girish GO...
25th Sept 2011 – 08:00 hrs. – Just crossed the Katraj Toll plaza. 30 mins to go and miles to cover. One more steep and Girish made up his mind to cover this faster. Then came the final lap… Strategy put in place. Three cars covering Girish from the rear so that no other vehicle overtakes him. One car clearing the road ahead and bikes covering from side as media cars struggle to take the shoot of the last lap. Girish gears-up and the speed – AMAZING – 62 kmph. One could hardly see the tired Girish who has pulled the bicycle for around 80 – 85 kms.
25th Sept 2011 – 08:48 hrs. – YES… he made it 2 mins short of the record determined to set. Joy seemed no bounds to Girish and team. “Thanks Team” said Girish!!!
No one – who participated in the event, could forget the last lap of 62 kmph speed and the time ticking down.
Stats:
Kms covered: 100
Average speed: 30.60kmph
Least speed: 12-15kmph
Max speed: 62kmph
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